Family: Morchellaceae

Fungi:> Ascomycota:> Ascomycetes:> Pezizomycetidae:> Pezizales:> Morchellaceae:> Morchella.

This family of ascomycete contains only three genuses Morchella, Verpas and Disciotis. Only the highly-regarded genus Morchella the true morels are found in New Zealand.

Genus: Morchella
These choice edible fungi are believed to have been introduced. due to been found mainly in urban habitats or on disturbed ground. These saprobic fungi are found growing on soil during spring sometimes in the same place each season. Four species have been reported in New Zealand although they have never been taxonomically investigated.

Species: Morchella species
Common Name: None Found: Native bush on an urban property Substrate: Ground Spore: ?	Height: 50 mm Width: ? Season: Edible: Yes!

Species: Morchella elata Fr. I have recently been sent two photos of this species from different parts of the country both were found in beech forest. It now makes me wonder if these are rare native species.
Common Name: Black Morel Found: Nothofagus forest Substrate: Ground Spore: ?	Height: 50 mm Width: ? Season: Spring Edible: Yes!

Hidden Forest | Forest Fungi | Site Map